Friday, was a very typical day and I was getting more and more excited. I left school and drove directly to the site and there was a tent and construction equipment a table with white hats and my Enterprises logo on each. Then I looked around and I was the only one not in a suit and tie and dad handed me a bag and said change in the car and it was my Enterprises running suit and I thought perfect. The media was there, the union people were there, the mayor, county people and 20 shovels we all lined up and the Major made a statement and said Mike, what do you have to say? I smiled dug my shovel deep into the ground and said, LETS GET TO WORK and threw a shovel full of dirt. It was fun and the media mobbed me and it was hard as I was super excited and didn't want to give too much away. As I was leaving a reporter from WTAE said, Mike a minute please, off the record? I said sure, what's up? He said I have been covering you for a while and I've talked to the high school sports guy, you ever going to give us something. You are polite, answer all our questions say a lot and fill our columns and yet tell us nothing. I laughed and said perfect, I hope you got a lot of that today. He said how about a sit down interview with our business editor? I said please ask Major Messer, he is the schedule master. He said thanks and walked away.
I found Major Messer and thanked him for a great start and he smiled and said thanks, but what? I said Major, I always say thanks and that was followed by great job. I also say thanks but you fucked up. Take the compliment and I started to walk away. He said Mike that was easy and you know it and I appreciate the compliment but I know there is something else. Well Jim, WTAE wants a one on one interview with me and their business editor. I told them to see you. I said that's a heads up and we can take about it, I actually want your thoughts. He put his arm around me said thanks and thanks for dealing with my daughters boyfriend. I laughed and said, I turned that over to JJ and the Major laughed and said shit.
I drove home and the entire time the phone buzzed and it was emails and voice mail's and I finally turned it off. At home there were leftovers and I turned on the TV and we were the opening story on WTAE. Then I started on emails with most going to the Major. Then I checked the voice mail's and returned the call to Coach Conn. He answered on the first ring and said Mike thanks for returning the call. CMU thinks you are too good for our Computer Science Program and they want you there. I said, well that's too bad, I'm coming to VT. I could feel the relief in his voice. The dean want to meet with you and wants to see some of the work you have done at CMU. I laughed and said, so now the dude is serious after the feel good session when I was there. Coach Conn said Mike, we all get that. When you free to stop in for a weekend and bring Carrie, it's on Computer Science. I said it's on me, I don't need free visits, I could buy the building his sorry ass sits in. With that being said, I'm good and will need to check my schedule and I'll let you know Sunday evening. He said Mike, thanks and I know we continue to disappoint you. I said no worries, have a good weekend and I'm good and I hung up.
Some of the other messages I returned and some I deleted. Then it was outside and my ever increasing trips to NC. Dad joined me and said, great job but now what? I said rule 1. He said what? I replied no talking. He laughed and went inside. I was finally cold and went in to find ribs and fries, I looked at him and he said you said rule 1, so I didn't tell you. I punched his arm and sat down and ate.
Upstairs, I called Carrie and told her about CMU and VT and the requested visit and she said Mike, while I need to get there, neither of us have the time. Could he come here? I laughed and said damn even I didn't think about that. I said babe it is a very complicated night I'll see you at work tomorrow and she laughed and said I love you. I went downstairs and found dad and settled on plans for breakfast and he had another place in mind near our location. I said fine, you are driving and paying to park.
I was exhausted and decided not to watch the evening news and went to bed. Saturday morning was sunny and I was up early and went for the usual run and it was a shower and very preppy business casual clothes and the jacket from my Enterprises running suit. Breakfast was fun and dad was more nervous than me. Inside the space there were 4 sets of workstations a table with coffee and pastries and comfortable chairs. We were talking and introductions were made and Jorden and Jodie took over and I saw a very timid Carrie with Jodie. The Knoll people made their presentation and stressed their no creep panel system and their seating. I was unimpressed but liked some of their stuff. I thought the panels were to generic and I hated the seating but the style for the common areas was great. So I was wondering why we bothered with their systems furniture. Jodi and I chatted after the presentation and she said Mike it is a great discount. Carrie was paying close attention but being quiet. Dad came over and said, I hope it's free because that the only way I want this stuff. I laughed and said dad, chill.
The next presentation was Steelcase and they had a Vice President make the presentation. The product was much better and very functional. They were the biggest furniture manufacturer in the country. The dealer weighed in and I asked a bunch of questions. I was more concerned about their size and ability to deal with a project this big. Then I was uncomfortable with their Union relationship. There was a chair I liked a lot and the files were very well built. All of a sudden Carrie asked a question. She said Knoll had great fabrics what are your fabric offerings like. The answer stunned everyone and we were told that we had standard fabrics but could have access to Knoll fabrics but they were more expensive. Then Carrie was handed a ring of standard fabrics and she said thanks. I saw Jodie say something to her and Carrie smiled. This presentation was more involved and there was no discussion of pricing until we selected product. I said, guys that's not acceptable as you made a presentation based on this product so what's the discount for 1,500 workstations? They were looking at each other and I said talk amongst yourselves and get back to me in say 15 minutes and if I were you I would start with GSA pricing. The VP was obvious furious and I went outside for some fresh air, craving a cigarette but avoiding the urge. Jorden came out and said, Mike the way thing look it might be orange crates. I laughed and said I don't dislike this product but damn they are a bit arrogant. Back inside I was told the pricing would be a half of percent above GSA in every area and that there would be design fees. Jodie immediately said that she was doing all that and there was no need for corporate involvement. I thanked everyone and went outside. I was joined by dad and Jorden and we agreed that this product had potential.
We went to the far end of the space and there was two displays set up and one was covered in a giant tarp. Brian started and introduced the Miller people and the head of his installation department. The presentation started with the Action Office product and some nuts and bolts and I was handed an Allen wrench and was told that was the only tool I needed to assemble the workstations. The 24" deep work surfaces were explained and I was unimpressed and I noticed Carrie and Jodie going over fabrics and finishes and I stayed out of all that. There was a discussion about files and I was definitely unimpressed and then it was mentioned that a subsidiary company had a unique file that was individual layers and a 4 drawer file could become a 5 or 3 drawer file. It was also textured and that impressed me. We were told that they by law had to protect GSA pricing but that we would be a tenth of a percent higher. Then they said we have something very different to offer. However there are some strings.
This product we are about to show you does not yet have a copyright. While it is pending we will ask you sign a non disclosure agreement and there will be no photographs permitted. I looked at Brian and he nodded so I signed and so did everyone else. Once that was completed the tarps were taken off and I was sold immediately. The panels were 6" thick and there were tiles of various functions and in some cases no tile and open space to account for air flow. There was wire management up the ass and even Kyle was looking with interest. I saw Jodie and Carrie pouring over finishes. The Miller VP said this is still a work in progress but we are ready to start production next quarter and even if we are delayed it will be available for your building. Then he looked at me and said, Mike there is no GSA contract and we badly need a major tech project. If we get MJS Technologies it will be great pricing and free publicity in that your building will be in all our literature and there will be a case study. I said, slow down a minute what does great pricing mean. I was told, that this product would be about 15% higher that AO2 and that there is a list price ready to be published and that a great price would be a discount 12% lower than our GSA pricing for AO2. Any other product would be priced at a tenth of a percent higher than GSA pricing. I looked at him and said our project involves getting the NASA people situated ASAP. He said we will supply AO2 product and buy it back when you move to the new building. I said well the building which started construction yesterday is fast tracked and we want this completed in a year, can you guarantee that? He said absolutely and to the point we will pay 10 k every week you are delayed. I said ok one pricing question as a hypothetical if GSA is a 50% discount is our discount 62% off list or 50% then 12% because there is a big difference. He laughed and said you want to sell for me? I said no, I want an answer and I smiled. He said in your example 62% off. I asked for the room and they said sure.
I said ok team, what do you want to do? Everyone said the new product with the Meridian files. I said fine and looked at Tim and said you work out the details and dot the fucking i's and cross every t. He said Mike I got it. Then I said, also negotiate terms and agree on a buyback number on the temporary furniture. I asked if there were any questions and as there were none I went looking for Brian. I found them in a group talking and I asked Bruce and the Herman Miller guy for a minute. I said congrats my team wants your new product and our attorney will be working out the details. Then I asked are you aware of my other project? They said no and where is that located? I said adjacent to the current project and it will house MJS Enterprises and other tenants and possible overflow from the new building. I would like the same pricing for Enterprises, it will be a year later and an entire floor. Also, since I'm about ready to spend a half million or more with your guys I would like to see the place with a few team members say 8 people. They said sure any time you want. I said it will need to be a weekend and they laughed. Jodie came up and asked for the fabrics and finishes and was told they were for that product only and can not be distributed except for this project. We all agreed and signed another paper.
It all seemed easy enough except for my schedule, there was the requested weekend at VT, the weekend at the furniture manufacturer, dealing with mom and Bill. As much fun as the last couple of days were the end of the week was a bear. I called Jim, Rob and JJ and declared a boys night out. By out I indicated anywhere but my place. I said something active that we have not done. Just fun and hanging out like kids. JJ came right up with something he always wanted to know what was so hard about bowling and none of us had bowled in a long time so it was a plan. I suggested we each call the girls and suggest a girls night out and we all agreed. Damn, I was shocked when they agreed, breathing space.
Naturally the First stop was the Tavern with burgers, fries, beer, iced tea and we were having a great time. Then it was off to the bowling allies and a fucking blast. One would think that some very good athletes could roll a ball and knock down pins. It was a damn good thing that the video screen kept score, we had no idea. We bowled 4 games and the high score was something around 170. We were simply awful but it was a blast. It was early yet and we went to Eat N Park for a snack, which was actually a full course meal. Walking to the car I put my are around JJ and said thanks for not being an ass tonight. He stopped dead in his tracks and said, Mike this was so much fun, I forgot and was myself. I said, yourself is a great dude, keep it up.
Back at home I found dad just sitting in his office and I thought I need to find him something to do or someone to hang with. He looked at me and said, some boys night out? Home early no drinking and no cigarettes. I laughed and said it was a teen boys night out and no sex either. We talked about my schedule and he picked up the phone and called Coach Conn, I thought shit. It was a very pleasant conversation with dad saying he wanted both deans in his office and he would settle the sniping and Mike will be around but not in the conversation. Dad, said this is silly and you guys are traveling as you have the most to lose. Then he added, that's me talking and Mike isn't even aware of the conversation. He closed by saying coach, Mike is sold on you guys and that's not easily accomplished. I thought shit, way to go dad. Then he left a message for the CMU dean, which was immediately returned. Dad started with why you trying to blow up my son's scholarship. The reply was because he is too good a student for that program. Dad fired back with get a D1 football program and Mike will be there in a second. There was silence, I was thinking dad stay quiet. Then Dr Chang said is it possible for him to be registered at VT and do our program? Dad said, look I don't know and VT people we'll be her next week and you are invited to meet with me and them but Mike will not be available. My mind was spinning and I have never seen dad so annoyed. He looked at me and said, you are going to drive the whole world crazy. I said me? That was all you protecting your son, fuck that was great to see. Dad, I'm playing football unless they pull the offer. I said good night and started to leave and saw the cigarettes and just walked away, thinking that was harder than it should be.
Upstairs I sat at my desk and just looked at the math that I was doing and damn it was hard and I got it, yet accounting blows my mind. I sent Kyle an email and asked if he would help me with a personal issue? Then I added, it was really academic. I called Carrie and it went to voice mail and I left a quick message that I would see her tomorrow and that I was tired. Then I remembered the drug test and left a message bout that. I took a long hot shower and threw my self in bed and somehow fell asleep.
Sunday was a run, workout and I hid from the whole world. I called Carrie and she went on and on about the presentations and said her and Jodie talked and that they were going to meet and work out various scenarios for finishes. I said that I lover her and that I was turning my phone off and spending the afternoon in NC. Just before I turned my phone off it rang and it was Dr. Jenkins, he said, so Mike you worried about the drug test? I said that I was not and that I like closure on everything. I took a deep breath and said SO? He said you sound stressed, the test was clean but do you need to talk? I said that if I needed that I would call and that I was taking a mental vacation to NC. He said fine, call me. I turned the damn phone off put a jacket on and went outside. Dad came out asking if I was ok that I had been outside for 2 hours, I said rule 1 and closed my eyes. Finally, I was good and went inside ordered ribs and fries and a salad and yelled, I ordered dinner, eat or not, I need a shower.
After the shower, I went into the kitchen poured some iced tea and started to read the paper and it was all about the groundbreaking and the economic potential for the region. Dad, joined me and said, I'm guessing you have a plateful of ideas after that long mental break. Dad, the NASA space is available and the furniture starts installation soon and we have no asses to put in the seats and no computers. I can't keep up. Dad said, Mike NASA is sending 100 people or so and Kyle has ads in every tech site available, we are thinking that we will drug test everyone that has the credentials and hire them then weed people out. As for the computers Tim will ask you Monday to approve purchasing 300 computers and scanners and printers. We have cash on hand for that and yes, it is a GSA deal. Mike, first priority is an assistant and then purchasing people and you should do that on Saturday. Monday will be a long night at the office for both of us. It is under control. Mike, I'm glad you had a nice night with your friends, keep doing that. I said thanks and went to my room called Carrie and then grabbed my book determined to finish it. I woke up freezing as I had fallen asleep reading. I pulled the covers over me and was asleep instantly.
The next morning, I skipped my run flew to school and got a workout in before class. Then I was off to the office. I saw Ruth and asked if there was progress on the assist and and she said there would be two people here to interview one at 5 and one at 6 and that senior wanted to see me. I found dad in his office and he said Mike, your assistant salary can not exceed 12k and I would like to see it at 10 and no Enterprises isn't chipping in. I said, thanks dad, anything else? He said no, just make a good choice. I went and found Kyle and showed him what math I was working on. He looked through it and said shit dude this is second semester sophomore shit, anyone helping you? I simply said no, but it's hard. He laughed and said so CMU wants you bad? I said correct but I want to play football. Tell the dean you want to test out of two semesters of credit and transfer those credits to VT and you will have 3 semesters in and can relax. If he give you grief, tell him I said hello. I said thanks and went to my office and as soon as I sat down Ruth called and said, Mike I added a third candidate and he is here, can you meet with him now? I said sure send him in. When Ruth brought him in I asked if there was still coffee and she said absolutely. I motioned for him to sit and I sat in a guest chair beside him. He handed me a resume which I set on the desk and he said Mr. Simmons thanks for seeing me on well no notice. I picked up his resume checked his name and said Mason, I am Mike and my dad in the other office is Mister. He smiled and said, sure Mike. I said so Mason, tell me about yourself? He said he was 23 and a receipt graduate from Pitt's school of business. I asked is that 3 and a half years to graduate or 4 and a half. He said 3 and a half and smiled. He was a life long resident of the region and grew up in Upper St. Clair and I said, ok we won't hold that against you and he laughed saying why would you, I believe you kicked our butts this year. I said so how do you view the administrative assistant job and he said a growth opportunity. I said how so? He replied advancement as earned in a young vibrant company. I asked, what he knew about the company and he said that we had been all over the papers and news for months and that it was all positive but with very little details. I laughed and said, that's by design as it is basically none of their business. He then said what I know about you I read in the newspapers, which is all surface stuff and again no details. However, I know that somehow at 17 you are Chairman of the board here, own a bunch of land have a building going up and will be attending VT for football and studying Computer Science.
I looked at him and said nice pivot telling me nothing about yourself and diverting the topic to me. So who is Mason Gibbons? He said, Mike I run and work out, obviously not as much as you, I am deans list every semester at Pitt, I have two brothers and a sister and a very serious girlfriend. I drink mostly beer and an occasional cigarette and no drugs of any type. I said, so there would be no problem with a drug test? He said correct. I asked when he could start and he said tomorrow and we both laughed. I reminded him that this was down to 3 people and I would be making a decision in a few days. I asked if he had any questions and he said not at this time. I said please leave references with Ruth and we shook hands and he left. I went and found Ruth and said, so that was some fill in, care to explain? She said, Mike I'm sorry, I've know the kid forever he is a neighbor. I said fine let me know when the next person gets here.
Well, that was a great candidate and I scanned the resume, it was well done. I picked up the phone and called Coach Weston, we chatted about nothing then I asked him for a favor. He said, Mike almost anything for you, what do you need? I asked, please call the USC football coach and get a read on Mason Gibbons. He would have played there 4 years ago? He said, may I ask why? I said I just interview him to be my administrative assistant, he laughed and said poor kid. I said, thanks and hung up. I looked at my phone and a red light was flashing and I guessed it was a message. Another lesson from Ruth and I retrieved a message from Kyle asking if I minded if he called CMU, I left him a message saying have fun and thanks.
The other two interviews were interesting and very different. A scruffy, totally with it dude, a trimmed beard, a tat that I could see with a jacket and no tie. The resume was very good and he was from a small town in Ohio and a Duquesne grad. I was thinking he could keep up and most likely try my patients. I asked about the drug test and he replied, most likely unless we tested for weed. That was a definite no in my mind. The next kid was a very buttoned down well dressed kid, grew up in Mt. Lebanon and went to Penn State and also graduated early. I asked about the drug test and he said unless you test for beer and I laughed. I asked for references and told him, I would be back to him later this week.
I found Ruth and said please go home it's late and I have another hour or so. Tomorrow will you please email me the references and I will check on Dillon and Mason and please send a polite rejection letter to the other kid. She sure Mike, any hints and I said I could flip a coin and no your thumb is already on the scale and I appreciate that.
I found dad and he asked how the interviews went and I said I eliminated one but really like the other two. He laughed and said just one. I asked so now what? He said a conference call with NASA, listen and rule 1 and I laughed out loud. He looked at me and said, Mike this NASA thing is too closely held and I need to very slowly work you in. I said, great and the phone rang and I sat quietly and totally focused for an hour and when the call was over dad said, so dinner at the club? I took a deep breath and said fine.
Dinner at the club was everything I hate about the place, not even a minute to eat. The difference is that I was approached every bit as much as dad. I finally said, dad this is a zoo can we please get out of here? He laughed and said, I expected that 45 minutes ago. As we had separate cars, I got up and left and thought dad would be late and I was surprised when he pulled in right behind me. Just then my phone rang and it was Coach. He asked, if I could talk and I said sure. Mike the USC Coach, as you know, is a piece of work. He said that Mason worked hard but was a giant pain in the ass and pushed every rule there was. He played a lot but was an above average player. Then he said that Mason gave him 100% effort with drama and I laughed. I thanked him and went in dads office with an iced tea. We talked for a while and he said Mike, you are done for the week. Dad, you said two days. He smiled and said I know you will work from home all week so don't come to the office, your security pass is inactive till Saturday. By the way I'm meeting with VT and CMU at the office on Thursday, I just want the deans, so make time to amuse the coaches, I'm betting they are coming. I thought shit but said good night and went upstairs and called Carrie.
Carrie went on and on about her and Jodie and I was glad but told here that was between her and Jodie and that she needed to remember that. She could not run to me when she had an issue. She laughed and said, Mike I understand and she said you really need to talk with one of them. They need to talk with you and it's important. I said damn, I forget after the groundbreaking. I told her I would see her in school and that I loved her and hung up.
I spent some time on English and History and went to bed, very tired.
Comments are encouraged as this is my first story.
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